Albania - Scott Groult — Football Case Study

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Exploration: is a photo series dedicated to the spirit of following one’s whim. Our members will let curiosity lead the way in searching for unique football cultures.

01 ALBANIA

001/SG10424—355

PHOTOGRAPHER: SCOTT GROULT
LOCATION: DURRËS, TIRANA
DATE: APRIL 2024
FCS-ID: 001/SG10424—355

As with every journey I undertake, football is my compass, guiding me to the heart of each place I visit. In April 2024, I traveled to Albania, a country where football mirrors the spirit of the people. My first stop was a closed stadium belonging to KF Teuta, a top-division club. The stadium's gates were unexpectedly opened for me by the club's photographer, who embodied the hospitality that would mark my time in Durrës.

Continuing north the following day, I stumbled upon a youth tournament on a pitch that was part grass, part dirt—a reminder of football's raw, unpolished beauty. It felt like revisiting childhood, where the game thrived regardless of the conditions.

Albania's football culture bears the strong influence of neighboring Italy; traces of Calcio permeate both the sport and everyday life, visible in everything from the style of play to the brands on store shelves. I concluded my journey in Tirana, where I explored the ruins of the old KF Tirana stadium—a relic that stands as a poignant symbol of the past amid a rapidly changing city.

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